New Hampshire narrowly rejects seeking birth records from candidates

CONCORD, N.H.—Lawmakers have decided against asking presidential candidates who want to be on New Hampshire’s primary ballot next year to produce a birth certificate.

The House Election Law Committee voted 10-8 Wednesday to reject the proposal. Supporters had also wanted to require candidates to sign an affidavit swearing they are at least 35 years old and have lived in the United States for 14 years, as called for in the U.S. Constitution to qualify for the presidency.

State Rep. Shawn Jasper, a Hudson Republican, said he voted against the proposal because it was unnecessary and a distraction to the state’s presidential primary — the earliest in the nation. He predicted the proposal may be back next year.